Council Delays Backwoods Water Action And Gives Free Water To Residents
February 17, 2009
The Town of Century has voted to not charge residents of Backwoods Road for their water while the town takes a wait-and-see approach on funding a project that improved the area’s water service.
The $1.7 million project is ready to build, except there has been a delay in acquiring a small piece of property for a booster pumping stations. The project include a new 500,000 gallon elevate water storage tank and new water lines along State Line Road, Highway 4A and Backwoods Road. It has taken the town about 10 years to address upgrading the Backwoods water service from a 2-inch to a 6-inch main.
“The bottom line is the plans are ready,” said Dale Long of Fabre Engineering. “We could build it tomorrow.”
The town was approved for a USDA Rural Development loan for the project, but never entered into a contract for the funds. Now they have voted to wait a few weeks to see if funding might be coming to the town under the federal stimulus program.
Council member Gary Riley said he would like to wait on possible stimulus money, as did member Nadine McCaw.
“It ain’t fair to the folks on Backwoods to wait,” Council member Henry Hawkins said. “In the meantime while they waiting, Backwoods should not have to pay no water bill.”
“That right now is very logical at this point,” McCaw said
“It gives them something in exchange for waiting,” Council President Ann Brooks agreed.
The council voted 5-0 to not charge Backwoods Road customers for their water service, beginning with the next billing cycle.
Long said that he would expect the council to know about any stimulus money within a few weeks. Once the council votes to advertise the water system upgrade, the time for the first shovel would be about two to three additional months, he said.
There are “20 something” water customers on Backwoods Road, Mayor Freddie McCall said. The town does not provide water or sewer service to those residents.
Molino Tornado One Year Later: Highland Baptist
February 17, 2009
The story of the Molino tornado one year ago and what happened inside Highland Baptist Church played out on television networks across the United States.
Highland was directly in the path of the EF-1 tornado that destroyed four Molino homes and damaged dozens more on February 17, 2008.
Highland Pastor Brian Calhoun and other church members did television interviews, beamed by satellite into homes across the Gulf Coast and the country. A front page article about the church and the tornado was in the Florida Baptist Witness. That article used photographs from NorthEscambia.com.
For Highland’s tornado story as it ran last year on NorthEscambia.com, click here.
The Sunday after the storm, worshipers at Highland Baptist Church and Victory Assembly of God viewed a video using NorthEscambia.com pictures. Click here to watch the video.
Pictured top: The cross from the Highland Baptist Church steeple sites in front of the church days after the Molino tornado last year. Pictured bottom: The rest of the Highland steeple in the church parking lot. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
One Year Since Tornado Ripped Though Molino
February 17, 2009
Tuesday marked the one year anniversary of the Molino tornado that destroyed four homes, caused heavy damage and ripped the steeple of a church with worshipers inside.
The E-F1 tornado destroyed four homes in Molino about noon Sunday, February 17. Escambia County officials say at least 60 other structures were damaged by the twister along at least a two and a half mile path. At least 20 of those structures suffered major damage. There were no injuries reported.
Many homes in the Crest Lane area were damaged, with at least one house destroyed. Other suffered significant roof damage. As the tornado continued on a path to the northeast, it took the steeple off Highland Baptist Church and caused roof damage to the sanctuary. The steeple landed in the church parking lot, damaging at least four cars.
Church members said the service was about to end when they got word of the approaching tornado. Everyone evacuated the sanctuary and sought shelter in the church fellowship hall, a brick building with no windows. They prayed and sang songs as the storm approached, a church member said.
On Molino Road, near Brickyard Road, several more homes were damaged. The roof was completely gone from several houses and the Masonic Lodge building. One mobile home was flipped upside down and others were heavily damaged.
Gulf Power company cut power to about 4,500 people in the Molino area as a safety precaution. Power lines were down all around the area with many poles snapped in half.
Dozens of emergency responders conducted a door to door search in the areas with heavy damage, checking to make sure residents were not injured. Firefighters also drove all of the roads around the area, looking for any additional damage.
For cleanup photos from February 19, click here.
Pictured above: One of the homes destroyed by last year’s Molino tornado. Pictured below: Another home under repair February 17, 2008. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Council Takes No Action On Worker That Left Prisoner Unattended
February 17, 2009
The Town of Century has taken no action in regards to an employee that left a state prisoner unattended in parking lot, and after he got into a fight that got him arrested while on the time clock.
The council mentioned the offense at their meeting Monday night and listened to Mayor Freddie McCall report on how their prison would have handle such an offense, but the council took no official action.
Escambia Sheriff’s Department reports say that Robert Allen Powell, 56, of Century got into a fight with Randall Keith Grimes, 47, of Century at the town’s Dollar General store.
Powell stopped at the Dollar General in a town truck along with a prisoner from the Century Correctional Institute that was on work detail for the town. Powell reported went into the store to purchase cold medication, leaving the prisoner unattended in the parking lot. Inside the store, Powell ended up in the altercation with Grimes.
Their stories differ on what happened. Powell told deputies that Grimes called him names and then punched him. Grimes said Powell called him a “retard” and a “bastard” before Powell punched him in the face. Powell told deputies the entire incident stemmed from Grimes’ involvement with his ex-wife.
The report says store surveillance video shows that Powell threw the first punch, according to the ECSO report. Powell was arrested on a battery warrant, and released on a $2,500 bond.
The big issue for some members of the Century Town Council was not the fight, but the fact that Powell left the prisoner unattended outside the store.
McCall told the council member night that the prison would provide on of their employees committing the offense a verbal or written warning on the first offense. The second offense would bring a written warning. The third offense would be met with three to 10 days suspension, and termination would take place on the fourth offense.
The council was reportedly advised by Matt Danheisser, their attorney, that any employment policy could not be made retroactively to apply to Powell.
“Out working rules call for a verbal reprimand, and I issued one,” McCall said Monday night.
Council President Ann Brooks said that the town would address any possible future similar situations with a policy to be discussed when the town works on a policies and procedures manual.
At the council’s last meeting on February 2, Council member Henry Hawkins recommended that the town determine what punishment the prison system would inflict on a prison employee that might leave a prisoner unattended. He said the town should consider a punishment “up to” that level. His motion to take such action died without a second.
McCall said two weeks ago that the prison system will continue to allow the town to use free inmate labor. Powell will not be able to supervise an inmate until after his court process is complete, but McCall said prison officials had stated that he would be able to supervise prisoners in the future.
McCall said the prison system would “overlook” the fact that Powell stopped to get the cold medicine, and that the prison warden did not consider it a big problem.
Powell is scheduled to face Judge David Ackerman on February 19 on the misdemeanor battery charge. Grimes has not been charged in connection with the incident.
School Board To Hold Century Meeting To Discuss School Closure
February 17, 2009
The Escambia County School Board plans to hold a meeting in Century early next month to discuss their redistricting plan that will close Carver/Century K-8 School.
NorthEscambia.com has learned that the board plans to schedule the meeting in early March at the Carver/Century cafeteria. Premlinary plans call for the meeting to be held March 5 at 5:3o p.m.
On January 20, the board approved advertising the redistricting of Carver/Century students to Bratt Elementary and Ernest Ward Middle School. State law says they must advertise the plan for 28 days prior to official approving it. They plan to vote on the redistricting plan that would close Carver/Century at their March 17 board meeting.
At the January meeting, the vote was 3-2 to move forward with advertising the redistricting plan. Board members Bill Slayton, who represents District 5 where Carver/Century is located, and Linda Moultrie voted against the proposal. Jeff Bergosh, Gerald Boone and Patty Hightower voted for Superintendent Malcolm Thomas’ plan.
Pictured above: Century resident Leola Robinson speaks to the Escambia School Board in support of keeping Carver/Century open on January 20 while Gerald Boone (left) and Malcolm Thomas (right) look on. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Principal Addresses Northview Needs, Accomplishments In Report
February 17, 2009
Local principals met in a round table discussion Monday to discuss the state of their schools.
In her one-page report, Northview High School Principal Gayle Weaver highlighted some of Northview’s accomplishments this year in what was essentially a “state of the school” address.
Academically, the report highlight Northview’s improved FCAT scores from 2007 to 2008, and the school’s higher than district average on common placement tests.
Weaver also reported on several facility improvements and needs:
- A roofing project at the school has been completed. The roofing project was a result of Hurricane Ivan and later hurricane damage to the entire facility. The entire school received a new metal roof.
- The school theater received a new sound and lighting system.
- The weight room had experienced flooding during heavy rain, but that problem has been eliminated.
- The interior of the school has been repainted.
- Northview has received a renovation of the school’s track and surrounding areas, the first improvements to the track since it was installed 14 years ago. Material from the old track was used to create a parking area for cafeteria workers.
- Weaver applauded Escambia River Electric Cooperative for their work as a Northview Partner in Education. EREC provided the school with the equipment necessary to broadcast graduation from the gym to the theater for an overflow crowd last year, and they will provide the service again this year. EREC also provides satellite service for the school.
- Weaver’s report also stated that a new fieldhouse for the school has been delayed by budget cutbacks.
The principal’s round table report also addressed a couple of staffing issues at the school. Northview’s dean position has been elimated, and the school’s resource officer is no longer full time but now shared with Ernest Ward Middle School.
Local Residents Place In Pensacola Marathon
February 16, 2009
Three North Escambia residents placed in Sunday morning’s Pensacola Marathon.
Kim Chambless of Walnut Hill placed 12th in the Female Age Group 40-44 with a time of 5:43:05.73. Right on her heals was Mary McPherson of Century in the 13th place with a time of 5:51:44.96.
Matt Dobson of Jay placed first in the Male Age Group 35-39 with a time of 2:47:00.26.
Share The Road: Local Farmers Behind New State Law
February 16, 2009
Several local farmers were instrumental in getting legislation passed that changes the way Florida regulates farm equipment on the state’s highways.
Early last year, some farmers and equipment dealers were given citations by the state for moving over-width farm equipment during their normal daily operations. That led the local farmers and the Florida Farm Bureau to take action.
Thanks to the efforts of members of the Escambia and Santa Rosa County Farm Bureaus as well as Florida Farm Bureau, legislation was passed last year that eliminate the permits and fees for producers and allow them to move over-sized agricultural equipment within a 50-mile radius of their farms. Deliveries by equipment dealers will also be exempted.
Mike Godwin, Jerry Wayne McElhaney and Brett Ward from North Escambia were among the farmers and ranchers working for the legislation. Ben Ellison, who farms in North Escambia and lives in Santa Rosa County; and Lucas Killam and Marion Tidwell from Santa Rosa County were also instrumental in getting the legislation sponsored.
The state also recently installed signs reminding motorists that farm equipment shares the road on highways in agricultural areas across Florida, including along Highway 97 and along Highway 29.
The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Greg Evers and Senator Carey Baker, and much of the work to pass the bill was done by Farm Bureau members throughout Florida.
The new language basically says that no permit will be needed by producers if the farming equipment is 174 inches wide or less. It also goes on to say that if the equipment is over 174 inches wide, the equipment must have a warning lamp mounted on each side of the equipment, and must have a slow-moving-vehicle sign visible. The language also states that these lamps must be visible from at least 1,000 feet.
“Farm Bureau has been working hard for the past year on trying to solve this problem for farmers, and we could not have got the bill passed without the help of many Escambia and Santa Rosa County farmers. The Young Farmer and Rancher’s in both counties were also instrumental in getting the legislation passed”, said Allen Scheffer, Florida Farm Bureau Field Director from West Florida.
Pictured above: Signs reminding Florida motorists that agricultural equipment shares the road have been placed across the state following the passage of new legislation that was spearheaded by several local farmers. This sign greats travelers along Highway 97 just south of the Alabama state line. NorthEscambia.com photo.
County Declares Century Property Surplus; Sells It
February 16, 2009
Escambia County has declared a small parcel of property in Century as surplus, and has put the property up for sale.
The small piece of land is about one-tenth of an acre and is located at 17 Alley 5, very near Ivy Street and the Alabama state line. It is about 50 x 100 feet in size.
The piece of property was acquired by the county after no one bid on it in a tax sale for overdue taxes from the year 2000. It became the county’s property on December 9, 2008. The minimum bid to be considered by the county is $5,472.
Farm Bureau Food Check-out Week Targets Healthy Eating On Budget
February 16, 2009
With the continuing economic squeeze, many Americans are concerned that the cost of a healthy diet is out of reach. However, according to an Agriculture Department study, the cost of eating healthy has not changed as much as less-healthy alternatives. But eating healthy food within a budget does require smart shopping.
Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week, February 15-21, is devoted to helping teach Americans how to stretch their grocery dollars with healthy, nutritious food. America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to producing safe, healthy and abundant food. And they share a common concern with consumers when it comes to putting nutritious meals on a table while sticking to a tight budget. U.S. consumers still spent under 10 per cent of their disposable income on food according to the latest USDA data. Consumers in other countries spend much more: France- 14 percent; Japan-15 percent; China-35 percent; Philippines-37 percent and Indonesia- 46 percent.
A March 2008 USDA report favorably supports the economics of healthier eating. Recent food price data show that prices for unprepared, readily available fresh fruit and vegetables have remained stable relative to dessert and snack foods, such as chips, ice cream and cola. Therefore, as defined by foods in the study, the price of a “healthier” diet has not
changed compared to an “unhealthy” diet.
Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week is aimed at helping American consumers learn how to shop effectively to put nutritious meals on the table with fewer dollars.
“Learning to use your grocery dollars wisely ensures that nutrition isn’t neglected,” according Dorothy Cunningham of Escambia Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. “Fruits and vegetables – along with whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, beans, eggs and nuts – are an important part of a healthy diet. Buying fresh produce when it is in season and costs less, while buying frozen fruits and vegetables when they are not in season, is a smart way to stretch that dollar.”
Here are some tips that consumers can follow to help stretch their food dollars :
Plan ahead before going to the grocery store. Make a list of the foods you want to serve during the next week. Check your newspaper for grocery store ads and coupons. Stick to your list. Do not go to the cookie or snack aisle if you don’t “ need” to. Shop the perimeter of the store. Produce, dairy products and meat are generally found on those outside walls. A tip for keeping produce fresh longer is to store it in a perforated plastic bag. This stops condensation and shriveling. Make holes in a plastic bag with a paper punch, knife or another sharp object about six inches apart all over the bag. When you get home, immediately store any fresh or frozen products especially meat.
For more specific information on nutrition , meal planning and food preparation, contact a registered dietitian.